HOW TO HELP

Here is a list of some worthy area charities you can donate time or money to in the spirit of the season:

AMERICAN RED CROSS, ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER

The Red Cross really needs help around the holidays as blood donations usually dip significantly. For details, contact the Red Cross at:

601 North Golden Circle Drive

P.O. Box 11364

Santa Ana, CA 92711-1364

(714) 481-5300

(714) 481-5376.

ANGEL’S CHARITY

This nonprofit group, which helps children with multiple birth defects, needs assistance with its annual fundraiser, Angel’s Run. For details, contact Angels Charity, 2549-B Eastbluff Drive, #432, Newport Beach, CA 92660, or call (714) 549-1701. Online you contact the charity at www.angelscharity.org.

EASTER SEALS

Easter Seals needs volunteers for ongoing clerical work, programs for children with disabilities and special events. Call: (714) 834-1111.

FRIENDS OF ORANGE COAST INTERFAITH SHELTER

The Friends of the Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter meet the first Thursday of each month to plan projects and events that benefit homeless families. The Friends represent the shelter’s only fundraising arm. Call: (949) 631-7213.

GIRLS INC.

Girls Incorporated of Orange County, a national youth prevention organization for girls 5 to 18, needs volunteers to help with programs and to participate in outdoor supervision for summer programs and after-school programs. Call: Orleda Roa, (949) 646-7181.

HUMAN OPTIONS

The organization shelters, counsels and educates abused women and children. You can contact the group at: Human Options Inc., P.O. Box 53745, Irvine, CA 92619 or e-mail: [email protected]. Telephone: (949) 737-5242

OASIS SENIOR CENTER

Meals on Wheels volunteers are needed to distribute prepared dishes to homebound seniors in the Newport Beach area. The delivery time is between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. The center also needs volunteer nurses for its semimonthly blood pressure screenings between 9 and 11 a.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Volunteers should commit two hours once a month, or volunteer on a substitute basis. The center is at 800 Marguerite Ave., Corona del Mar. Call: (949) 644-3244.

ORANGE COUNTY HOMELESS TASK FORCE

The task force is recruiting volunteers for the Interfaith Council Network to work one-on-one with homeless adults in a program on basic life skills. Call: (949) 263-1774.

PROJECT ACCESS

Project Access is a nonprofit organization that links residents of low-income housing developments with beneficial social services, usually through resource centers. Project Access Inc, 4029 Westerly Place, Suite 113, Newport Beach, CA 92660. More information is available at: (949) 253-6200 or via fax at (949) 253-3125. E-mail: [email protected]

PROJECT CUDDLE

Project Cuddle is a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit that helps girls and women facing unplanned pregnancies. In addition to office help and 12-hour hotline shifts once a month, volunteers are needed for an auxiliary group and fundraising committees. The organization also needs donated gift items for mothers and babies. Call: (714) 432-9681 or visit: projectcuddle.org.

READING BY 9

The mentor reading program seeks volunteers to read to students in kindergarten through third grade. Costa Mesa schools need help for students in reading, writing and English. Mentor sessions may be scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and after school from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call: Pomona Elementary School, (949) 515-6980; Whittier Elementary School, (949) 515-6898; Wilson Elementary School, (949) 515-6995; and New Shalimar Learning Center, (949) 646-5927.

SALVATION ARMY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Group or family volunteers are needed to adopt a family, sponsor an angel tree, hold a canned food or toy drive, or make a special gift or donation directly to the Salvation Army. Call: (714) 832-7100.

ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY

The United Way provides many clerical and other services to local charities that otherwise might not be able to afford it. Orange County United Way, 18012 Mitchell Avenue South, Irvine, California 92614. For details, call (949) 660-7600, or fax (949) 724-3030.